Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Degree

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, with opportunities in robotics, aerospace, automotive engineering, biomechanics, and more. At Michigan Tech, solve today’s biggest challenges in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech prepares you to reshape the world around you. Apply the principles of motion, energy, force, and materials to design products that are safe, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. Develop components, devices, systems, and processes that solve real-world problems in transportation, healthcare, sustainability, manufacturing, automation, and more.

At Michigan Tech, work closely with world-renowned faculty in over 50,000 square feet of advanced laboratories and research centers, covering fields like acoustics, robotics, atmospheric sciences, mechatronics, and more. Jump-start your career as a research assistant and gain hands-on experience in a project-based curriculum. Collaborate with your fellow engineers in the Engineering Learning Center or in professional organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers

What Will I Study?

As a mechanical engineering major at Michigan Tech, you'll build on a foundation of physics, mathematics, and engineering principles. Develop hands-on expertise working on real mechanical engineering projects.

Before you graduate, begin production of your big ideas by participating in Senior Design, a capstone course where you can develop, design, and test your own working prototype to meet project needs. Expand your expertise with advanced coursework in the following areas:

  • Vehicle Dynamics
  • Micromanufacturing Processes
  • Acoustics and Noise Control
  • Robotics and Mechatronics
  • Engineering Biomechanics
  • Propulsion Systems for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Aerospace Engineering Minor

With an aerospace engineering minor, prepare for a career in aerospace engineering through coursework in structures, materials, gas dynamics, space science, and orbital mechanics. Combine your minor with the hands-on experience of the Enterprise Program or Senior Design. Build satellites with the Aerospace Enterprise, design robotic technologies for extreme environments with the Multiplanetary Innovation Enterprise (MINE), compete in rocketry and aircraft competitions with the Aeronautics and Rocketry Enterprise (AERE), or explore other Enterprise teams and Senior Design capstone projects.

  • No. 13
    Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
  • No. 2
    Best Public School for Internships (The Princeton Review)
  • No. 3
    Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)
  • No. 9
    for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

Tomorrow Needs Mechanical Engineers

As a mechanical engineer you will design sustainable components, machines, and systems. You’ll analyze your designs using the principles of motion, energy, and force, to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability. You’ll incorporate digital engineering—big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the principles of Industry 4.0—the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

You’ll also design your career. Mechanical engineering career pathways are far-reaching, and include:

  • Developing safe and reliable electric and autonomous vehicles 
  • Making cooling systems more affordable and sustainable
  • Building advanced nanosatellites smaller than a deck of cards
  • Inventing an ultrasonic device to protect dolphins from fishing nets
  • Designing a microprobe for use under a scanning electron microscope
  • Creating new materials for prosthetic limbs using nanotechnology
  • Harnessing alternative energy—including solar, wind, hydrogen, and ocean waves

At Michigan Tech, our strong industry partnerships and programs make all the difference. Collaborate with industry on real engineering problems through Enterprise and Senior Design. Distinguish yourself with industry co-ops and internships. Employers will value your ability to perform on the job from day one.

Engineering Enterprise Concentration

You can pursue an Enterprise concentration by taking part in Michigan Tech's award-winning Enterprise program. It's a great way to enhance your undergraduate degree. Enterprise is when students work in teams on real projects, with real clients, in an environment that's more like a business than a classroom. Choose from among 25 Enterprise teams on campus to invent products, provide services, and pioneer solutions. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

All Enterprise teams are open to all majors, including mechanical engineering-focused teams such as Advanced Motorsports, Velovations, or BoardSport Technologies. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

Be Career Ready

Graduate with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech. You will be well prepared to transition to an entry-level job in industry. Our degree provides excellent preparation for graduate school. An advanced degree is desirable for mechanical engineering research positions.

Explore career opportunities for mechanical engineers:

  • Automotive Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Test Design Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Product Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Controls Development Engineer
  • Mechanical Development Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Service Engineer
  • Foundation Brake Engineer
  • Powertrain Engineer
  • Nuclear Engineer

$69,925 mean entry-level salary
Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.

My Story: Sophie Bollin, MTUengineer

"Michigan Tech was honestly my dream school. I knew I wanted to work in the automotive or related industries, and Tech had great opportunities to work in these fields. They also had one of the best mechanical engineering programs, so for me it was a perfect fit."

Sophie Bollin
Sophie Bollin ’24,
mechanical engineering

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying mechanical engineering at Michigan's flagship technological university.

 

"At Michigan Tech I'm working toward the future that I want."Tyler Strauss, mechanical engineering

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

In Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Tech, we discover and design innovative solutions in rocket, plane, and automobile manufacturing; energy and climate infrastructure; robotics and automated manufacturing; and much more. With challenging coursework, wide-ranging options for specialization, and state-of-the-art facilities, our students become effective engineers and future leaders. Join one of the largest mechanical and aerospace engineering departments in the nation that still fosters meaningful student-faculty interactions in the classroom, the laboratory, and the field.

  • Apply your knowledge and skills in four semesters of mechanical and aerospace practice courses.
  • Receive personal attention and support in the Lagina Student Success Center.
  • Collaborate with industry-proven faculty on research projects, working in over 50,000 square feet of department labs and centers.
  • Specialize your education with over 30 cross-disciplinary technical electives.
  • Develop real solutions working on an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project.
  • Join one of 10 department-advised Enterprise teams, such as Aeronautics and Rocketry, Advanced Motorsports, or BoardSport Technologies.

MTU engineering

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering is committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ engineering faculty alone, our students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Tech’s discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of your engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project. 

Join the pack and find the support you need. Map your academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus. 

Study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers a range of options.

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of our alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and other noteworthy organizations around the globe. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, you can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where your engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

College News

"My time at Tech not only gave me technical skills, but provided me with opportunities to learn about cross-skill collaboration, project management, leadership, and conflict management—which gave me a significant leg up in my full-time role."Amanda Moya ’20, BS Mechanical Engineering